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Joy-filled easter celebration at JOALI Maldives
In celebration of the Easter weekend, JOALI Maldives has announced its jampacked schedule of activities between the 6th – 12th April 2023.
An ideal multi-generational family holiday destination, JOALI Maldives comprises 73 elegant and private beach and over-water villas and residences, all impeccably designed and able to cater for families of all sizes with 2, 3 and one 4-bedroom villa available.
Guests of all ages can discover endless opportunities for spectacular adventure, creativity, exhilaration and indulgence on “the Island of Joy”, with a specially curated week-long calendar to suit all interests.
Easter-themed Family Fun
Unique and Easter-inspired experiences will be available for children at the Muramas Kids Club, with parents welcome to join in the seasonal fun. To start the day on a sweet note, children can bake and decorate their own bunny-shaped cinnamon rolls before enjoying plenty of Easter-themed games; such as “hop and pop”, a bunny run, and of course island egg hunts. Arts and crafts will include egg painting, making toy bunnies out of socks, Easter wreath making using Maldivian flowers, Easter-themed face painting, cotton wall bunny crafting, and bunny mask painting.
Tailor-made Easter egg treasure hunts are available for the whole family to participate in throughout the Easter celebrations.
Culinary Creations
To help create an unforgettable holiday experience this Easter, JOALI Maldives will be hosting indulgent culinary feasts at Vandhoo and Bellini’s; Levant-inspired TUH’U restaurant; and at Saoke, with Executive Chef Yamamoto on island to host specially curated menus at the overwater Japanese restaurant. Easter Sunday will begin with an extravagant beachside brunch, followed by a sunset cocktail reception and evening feast for all.
Guests staying at JOALI Maldives over the Easter period can participate in gastronomic experiences with sushi-making classes at Saoke, Chef-led garden tours and salad making sessions, and evening mixology masterclasses. Children can also enjoy a Junior Teppanyaki experience at Saoke, as well as “Little Chef” cooking classes and junior juice mixology.
Art Workshops
Located within JOALI’s own Art Studio and led by the resort’s Resident Artist, Nataliya Kuleshova, this Easter guests can take part in private ceramic art classes; including ceramic painting, ceramic creation workshops, and ceramic glazing.
As the Maldives’ first and only immersive art resort, guests can use their own art-map to explore the island’s interactive art trail. From sculptures to paintings to tapestry to clothing pieces, created in collaboration with international artists and local artisans, JOALI’s art pieces aim to promote messaging around sustainability, nature and community to its guests.
Marine Life Magic
Throughout Easter, guests at JOALI Maldives can enjoy private speedboat trips for scuba-diving, Big Game fishing, sunset cruises, turtle snorkelling trips and dolphin quests.
Closer to shore, guests can enjoy jet ski rides, parasailing, glass-bottom kayaking, paddleboarding, semi-submarine tours, and sea-bob adventures. Budding Marine Biologists can join JOALI’s Marine Biology team for guided snorkelling and to help plant coral fragments onto the house reef’s growing coral nursery.
Dry on land, JOALI’s Resident Marine Biology team will be hosting regular educational talks on ocean conservation, aimed at both adults and children.
Active Adventure
Home to stellar court facilities, guests looking to participate in some festive team sports can join in on games of tennis and padel, as well as a competitive football championship cup. Master Sifu Aniket, a visiting Kung Fu Black Belt champion, will be on the island throughout Easter to offer guests of all ages and abilities both private and group classes in Kung Fu, martial arts, and kickboxing.
Mindfulness and Wellbeing
At JOALI’s ESPA Spa, guests can start the Easter celebrations with an awakening yoga flow, a family-beach yoga session, or Yin yoga at the spa’s scenic overwater yoga pavilion. Connecting with their inner selves, guests can end their day in pure relaxation with crystal bowl meditation and Full Moon bonfire meditation sessions at the spa’s beautiful beach area.
Imagi-Nature Art Festival – 14-18th April
For guests wishing to extend their stay beyond the Easter weekend, from the 14th to 18th April 2023, JOALI Maldives will host the Imagi-Nature Art Festival in collaboration with International Art Consultant, Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek. This innovative project, which harmoniously blends art and messaging of sustainability, offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in unique creative collaborations with celebrated artists from around the world. With the festival taking place over World Art Day on the 15th April, Tatiana has collaborated with JOALI to bring an extraordinary selection of contemporary art to the resort, in the form of exhibitions, artistic performances, and the unveiling of brand-new permanent installations.
Amid the abundant life between the palm trees and sparkling turquoise water sits JOALI Maldives, the very first art-immersive resort in the Maldives. Based on Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, guests can expect brilliant blue waters, a myriad of sea life, and pristine white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying coconut palms. Each of the 73 villas is the epitome of sustainable glamour and was inspired by individual stories and designed to take the guests on a rich sensory journey. Boasting a lavish range of culinary options, every dish at JOALI, tells a story and every plate becomes a journey, a journey of savours, fragrance, and joy – an art immersive experiential dining. Artisanal amenities, curated in-room bookshelves, thoughtful design and deluxe objects d’art creates an atmosphere of unconventional luxury on the island of joy. Central to the JOALI offering is its exceptional array of art and design which pervades all areas of the resort, while at its epicentre is the JOALI Art Studio & Gallery. A selection of international guest artists will exhibit installations to surprise and delight including London-based Glithero and New York-based Misha Kahn, often working with local artisans to intersect design and sculpture.
Rates: This Easter, JOALI Maldives has villas from $3,300 (approx. £2,780) per night based on two sharing a Beach Villa with Pool on a B&B basis. For further details and booking, please visit www.joali.com
Featured
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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